Episode Highlights: In the debut episode of School of Hip, hosts Chaz Charles and Heath McCoy kick off their deep dive into the world of The Tragically Hip. Chaz, an American who first encountered the band in the 90s, and Heath, a Canadian rock journalist with firsthand experience interviewing Gord Downie, set the stage for a unique, cross-border exploration of the band’s music and legacy.

The episode opens with personal stories about discovering the Hip and the cultural differences in how the band is perceived in Canada versus the US. Chaz and Heath outline the show’s format: each episode will focus on an album, breaking it down track by track, sharing insights, anecdotes, and ratings, while keeping the tone conversational and fun.

The Album: The Tragically Hip (EP) 1987 Side A (Smalltown Bringdown thru Evelyn)

They begin with the band’s self-titled debut EP, discussing its roots-rock sound, the influence of band members like Gord Sinclair and Gord Downie, and the evolution of their style. The hosts compare tracks to other bands (R.E.M., Tom Petty, B-52s), analyze lyrics, and share behind-the-scenes stories—like the inspiration for “Evelyn” and the band’s early days in Kingston, Ontario.

Listeners are invited to join the journey, connect with the growing podcast network, and look forward to future episodes that promise more music, stories, and special guests. The episode wraps up with plans for a biweekly release schedule and a call to check out show notes and related links.

Whether you’re a longtime Hip fan or just curious about what makes this band so iconic in Canada, School of Hip is your guide to the sounds, stories, and surprises of The Tragically Hip—from their early EPs to their legendary albums. Episodes drop every two weeks, with show notes and links available for further exploration.

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